Development of Competency Model for Test Pilots Selection and Training

Objective: To explore the competency model of test pilots, and to provide theoretical basis for psychological selection and post matching. Methods: On the basis of reviewing more than 200 relevant research papers, technical reports and reviews, 2130 evaluation indexes describing pilots’ psychological attributes were collected. According to the job requirement of test pilots, 108 items were selected by three aviation psychologists which were used to develop the questionnaire of test pilots’ psychological quality. All items were constructed as four dimensions including “knowledge”, “skill”, “ability” and “others”. Then 30 test pilot experts were asked to complete the questionnaire, the multigrade fuzzy set (MFS) evaluation technique was used to deternmine the competency model of test pilot. Results: ① A total of 24 indexes were included in the competency model of test pilots. ② Dedication and flight procedure were identified as the most important indexes of test pilots (MFS value > 0.704); Eight indexes were identified as important indexes for evaluating test pilots (0.704 > MFS value > 0.599) and 14 relatively important indexes (MFS < 0.599). ③ The Hierarchical competency model which conluded 4 dimensions and 3 levels was developed based on the importance and specificity of 24 indexes. Conclusion: This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for the establishment of competency evaluation model of test pilots which would be used in psychological selection and training of test pilots.